PS5: How to Fix Cannot Start The Application Error

While trying to play games on the PlayStation 5 console, plenty of users are facing issues with the game launch or startup crashing. In addition, you may also...

Subodh Gupta

Last updated on September 12, 2023

Subodh Gupta

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Subodh loves to write content whether it may be tech-related or other. After writing on tech blog for a year, he becomes passionate about it. He loves playing games and listening to music. Apart from blogging, he is addictive to the gaming PC builds and smartphone leaks.

PS5: How to Fix Cannot Start The Application Error

Here we’ve provided you with a couple of possible workarounds that should work for you. Now, without wasting any more time, let’s jump into the guide below.

1. Reconnect the external storage drive

The first thing you should do is simply disconnecting and reconnecting the external storage drive on your PS5 console to check whether the problem has been fixed or not. Sometimes a system glitch or cache data issue can cause multiple conflicts with the game launch. Try plugging in the USB storage device to another USB port located at the backside of the PS5 console.

Once the system recognizes the USB external storage drive, you’ll be able to play the game again. But if you want to move the game to the internal storage from the external storage drive then you can follow the steps below:

Head over to the home screen on PS5 > Go to ‘Settings’.
Go to ‘Storage’ > Select the ‘USB Extended Storage’ option on the left side.
Select the ‘Games and Apps’ option on the right side of the screen.
Now, select ‘Move PS4 content’ or ‘Move PS5 content’ accordingly under the “Games and Apps in USB Extended Storage” menu.
Select the particular game(s) that you want to move from the external storage to the internal SSD of the PS5.
Then select ‘Move’ on the bottom right side of the menu.
Select ‘OK’ to confirm the task > Wait for the process to be completed.
Once done, disconnect the external storage drive, and check for the issue.

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2. Check Firmware Updates on PS5

It’s highly recommended to check for the latest system software version on your PS5 console. An outdated software version may cause several issues or glitches. Needless to say that the latest software update will bring additional features and multiple bug fixes for sure. To do so:

Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
Now, select Update System Software. If there is a new update available, just download & install the update.

3. Eject and Re-insert the game disc

Multiple affected users have reported that ejecting and re-inserting the game disc has fixed their issue in most cases. So, you can also try it out to ensure if it’s working for you or not. Some reports are also suggesting that after reinserting the game disc, the PS5 console A number of users solved this issue by ejecting their game discs.

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4. Download the game on internal storage

Try connecting the USB Storage that’s not working or you don’t have the access to the USB Storage where the game is installed. Then you can try re-downloading the game directly on the PlayStation 5 console’s internal storage (SSD).

From the PS5 home screen, scroll to the right from the ‘Games’ section.
Head over to the ‘Game Library’ menu.
Highlight the problematic game that throws the ‘can’t find the game or app’ error and press the ‘Options’ button on the controller. (three horizontal lines)
A pop-up menu will appear > Select ‘Remove from Home’. If you don’t see this option, then you can skip this step.
Now, go back to the ‘Game Library’ menu again > Highlight the game again.
Press the X button on the DualSense controller to open up the game’s product page.
Here select the ‘Download’ option. [If you don’t see the ‘Download’ option, then make sure that the game does not appear on the home screen]
So, if the game appears on the home screen, then you can follow the same ‘Remove from Home’ step by following the steps above.
Finally, select the ‘Download’ option after selecting the ‘…’ option from the new screen.
Wait for the downloading process and then install the game properly.

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5. Rebuild Database on PS5

If none of the methods worked for you, then try clearing the cache. Once done, rebuild the database on the PlayStation 5 system. To do that:

First of all, switch off your PS5 > Press and hold the Power button on your console for around a couple of seconds & you’ll hear two beep sounds (the second beep will sound after seven seconds).
Then plug the DualSense controller into your PS5 system using the USB cable.
Then press the PS button on your controller > Your console will boot into the Safe Mode.
Now, select the ‘Clear Cache and Rebuild Database’ option.
From the next screen, you can choose to ‘Clear Cache’ or ‘Rebuild Database’ option.
Restart your console normally into the system and enjoy!

6. Factory Reset your PS5

If the error continues to occur again, make sure to perform the factory reset of your PS5. To do so:

Note: Ensure to take a full data backup before resetting the console.

Go to Settings > Select System > Choose System Software.
Select Reset PS5 > Install the application or game again. [If prompted, sign back into your account]

7. Contact PlayStation Support

Last but not the least, you should also contact PlayStation Support for further assistance if nothing resolves your issue. If the console is under warranty then ask for a repair or replacement too.

That’s it, guys. We assume this guide was helpful to you. For additional queries, you can comment below.

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